Fire/EMS

Washington – The Department of Transportation should clarify its Emergency Response Guidebook so firefighters, medical technicians and police offers know it does not pertain to chemical incidents at fixed facilities, according to the Chemical Safety Board.

Albany, NY – Legislation recently passed in New York state is intended to protect firefighters and other first responders from collapses of residential structures that feature wood truss construction.

Washington – Watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility has filed a lawsuit intended to prompt the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its corrosive dust standard to better protect first responders.

Washington – FEMA recently announced the availability of a collection of reports aimed at improving firefighter safety and health.

Houston – More than 70 percent of U.S. firefighters are overweight or obese, and many may not be receiving weight management advice from their health care provider, according to recent research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Washington – NIOSH is seeking input on its program that investigates firefighter line-of-duty deaths.

Springfield, IL – The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced plans to offer an online version of its Traffic Incident Management Training Program for emergency responders.

Fairfax, VA – Fire departments are being encouraged to suspend non-emergency activities and focus on safety and health training and education during International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week, which takes place June 15-21.

Washington – Prompted by the 2013 fire and explosion that killed 12 firefighters at a Texas fertilizer facility, as well as other recent incidents, OSHA is considering the development of a standard on emergency response and preparedness.

Baltimore – Traditional risk-factor assessments might not be enough to detect cardiovascular disease in firefighters, according to a study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.